Transportation Manager

Summary Description

The Transportation Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all outbound logistics and fleet operations for a mid‑sized building materials manufacturing business. This role ensures timely, cost‑effective, and safe delivery of finished goods to customers, distribution centers, and job sites. The Transportation Manager will oversee routing, carrier management, DOT compliance, fleet maintenance, and the day‑to‑day performance of company drivers and third‑party logistics partners.

• Manage daily outbound shipments to meet customer delivery requirements and production schedules.
• Optimize freight planning, routing, and load consolidation to reduce costs while maintaining service quality.
• Coordinate with Sales, Production, and Customer Service teams to prioritize orders and resolve delivery challenges.
• Help implement TMS, GPS and telematics.
• Maintain real‑time visibility of outbound deliveries using TMS, GPS, or telematics tools.
• Manage relationships with third‑party carriers and negotiate rates, contracts, and performance metrics.
• Oversee the operation of the company‑owned truck fleet, dispatch, and fleet support personnel.
• Ensure all vehicles are properly maintained, inspected, and compliant with DOT and state regulations.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules and manage relationships with repair shops or internal technicians.
• Monitor fleet performance metrics such as fuel efficiency, utilization, safety incidents, and maintenance costs.
• Ensure full compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and OSHA regulations.
• Maintain accurate driver qualification files, log audits, hours‑of‑service monitoring, and safety records.
• Develop and enforce safety policies, conduct driver safety meetings, and lead incident investigations.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement across all transportation activities.
• Prepare and manage transportation budgets, KPIs, and cost‑saving initiatives.
• Analyze transportation spend and identify opportunities for efficiency and productivity improvements.
• Report transportation performance (on‑time delivery, cost per mile, claims, asset utilization, etc.) to leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet management; manufacturing or building materials experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations, fleet safety, and transportation best practices.
• Experience with TMS, dispatch, or telematics systems.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop driver teams.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑volume operational environment.

• Experience managing flatbed, box truck, or specialized building materials transportation.
• Knowledge of regional routing, job‑site delivery requirements, and construction industry logistics.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

• Office and yard/warehouse environment with routine interaction with drivers, mechanics, and production teams.
• Occasional travel to company sites, customer locations, and carrier meetings.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Must be able to communicate orally and written in English.

Ability to calculate figures by using advanced math skills, applicable to and consistent with a business degree.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

• Aligning Performance for Success – Focusing and managing individual performance by helping others set performance goals/objectives and tracking results.
• Building Influential Partnerships – Leveraging relationships with internal and external partners to persuade key stakeholders.
• Customer Focus – Ensuring that the internal or external…